Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are caused by dysregulation of the immune system, leading the body to attack its own tissues. Affecting 5–10% of the population, ADs disproportionately impact women, who account for approximately 80% of cases. Pregnancy represents a particularly vulnerable period for women with ADs due to heightened risks of disease flare-ups, and external stressors such as heat and psychological stress are known triggers of immune activation. To address this intersection of vulnerability, this project examines how exposure to high ambient temperatures affects pregnancy outcomes, symptom burden, and healthcare utilization among women with ADs by analyzing approximately 50,000 pregnancies.
Complementing this large-scale epidemiological analysis, the study also incorporates qualitative research to better understand lived experiences and clinical practices. As part of Aim 2, interviews with clinicians and patients revealed that pregnant individuals with ADs experience intensified symptoms and physical discomfort during heat events, often relying on cooling strategies or activity avoidance to cope. Clinicians expressed strong motivation to improve patient counseling but identified significant knowledge gaps and a lack of structured guidance regarding heat-related risks during pregnancy. Together, these findings underscore the urgent need for tailored educational tools and improved communication between patients and providers. In the next phase, the research team will continue gathering stakeholder perspectives and will co-design and test a novel patient–clinician awareness program—the first of its kind—aimed at improving heat-safety education and clinical care for this high-risk population.
